Matthew Wainwright managed to hold on to his coal carrying title at the 49th World Coal Carrying Championship that took place on 9th April in Gawthorpe.
The 34 year old demonstrated his strength and endurance and crossed the line in just 4 minutes 34 seconds.
Although he maintained his crown, Mr Wainwright, of New Lane, Cleckheaton, said that it was six seconds lower than his personal best that he set last year.
He said: “It was very tough going so it’s good to win.
“I was really hoping to beat my last time, but I had a few injuries in the lead-up to the race and my legs didn’t feel too good on the day.”
The women’s crown was taken by 40 year old Anita Faherty of Huddersfield who finished the race in 5 minutes 8 seconds.
She said: “I’ve come second for the last two years so I’m really pleased to have won. It felt tougher this year than ever before.”
The race takes place every Easter Monday and sees contestants complete a 1,100m uphill course with sacks of coal on their backs.
The 63 men who took part carried 50kg sacks will the 22 female participants carried 20kg sacks.
A 100m junior race was also held where the children carried small sacks of sand.
Susan Walshaw, Gawthorpe Maypole Committee treasurer said: “It was a fabulous turnout this year despite the weather, and it was good to see a lot of families.”
The special event began in 1963 and there will be a special commemorate veteran’s race next year to honour the race’s 50 year anniversary.
The race began following an argument in the Beehive Inn between coal merchant Reggie Sedgewick and Maypole Committee president Amos Clapham.